American Gothic
(Alas I don't Own American Gothic.)
Title Growing Concerns
Summary: Gage has growing misgivings watching Judith's pregnancy and behavior. He begins to fear for Judith and the secret she is keeping.
My wife it has been a long time since she and I have been of one mind. About six months ago I came back for an all nighter and found my wife sleeping like the dead in our bed and little Merly crying in her room.
Something was wrong, hung over I picked up our baby-gir. Soothed her and put her to bed.. I patted her back like she was a baby until she sniffled her way to sleep. I noticed my wife's clothes on the floor, that's not like her she is so neat.
Ever since then my wife has been jumpy, skittish looking over her shoulder. I thought at first it was a simple scare some young tough in Goat town where she works, but no she wasn't scared to be out of the house or go to work.
My Judith seemed scared to be home, home alone specifically. Never has been one to jump at shadows, it is clear that she is scared of some thing.
I watched her, a wife that works has got more concerns. I thought maybe some one was bothering her. I asked her what was going on, she said it was just nothing. Women go through these issues. That one of her Aunt's sometimes got a little blue even took to her bed for a bit.
I've seen how some men treat a working woman, I may not stay put, drink a little to much but I respect a woman that works, either because she has too ( usually) or because she wants too.
Yet I have seen others that hate to see a woman working, and (getting paid for it).I may not be the best husband but I love and respect my wife. She is my southern peach I wish I was a better man. Judith knows my faults she loves me and stays, maybe one day that will change.
People on the outside looking in, think my Judith's is too good for me. It's not that. Judith is wise she has great empathy and compassion. I know because I did a great wrong to my wife. We had a bad argument once. I was drinking, being foolish and well I forced my lovely wife.
I made something beautiful a nightmare. Conceived our daughter in anger and violence, most women would've had The Law on my ass. This is the The South and Women are honored here. I would have had a plug nickle's chance in prison.
Judith forgave me it took time and I ate dirt for that woman, she has a fist of iron when needs be.
She has grit. I know my Judith so something is really wrong. I can tell. A man knows his wife.
I know she is a truthful woman. I know she was telling me the truth. Yet it seems to me there is something, my Judith was and is afraid to say. Like Why. I had heard of the Aunty's bad spell the boy she had been keeping company with had got the cancer or drafted. Either way her beau end up in the pine box.
I do not know all the details, folks in the south respect a person's right to grieve a beau. So I can
understand anyone (it ain't just womenfolks that grieve hard, or love true!) Taking to their beds
for loss.
So there is a reason my Judith doesn't get the vapors! Plus we have got a baby on the way. This baby is really working my wife, taxing her. Hmmm It may be considered unmanly but I am scared.
My Judith gets up like everyday is a battle. She has always loved Jesus. She prays so hard now like she is trying to keep a wolf at bay. She falls asleep in her chair it seems to comfort her. I c over her with a quilt lock up the house and go to bed.
The doctor told me to be extra tender and not demand anything from her. I haven't other that a few pats and hugs .Judith seems relieved which is odd. She has never been reserved in bed.
Sweet tender, but always a welcoming woman.
Lately she seems like a blazing furnace. I just stand by her, protect her, love her. But Why does it feel like I failed her?
Why won't she let me help her?